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There is nothing as exciting as when you are called for a job interview. This proves that someone has seen your worth as an employee and would like to hire you. For you to get this job, first impression will count. The interviewer is not considering your skills anymore. How you look and present yourself will determine whether you get the job or lose it to someone else.

Studies show that people hardly forget the smile of someone they meet for the first time. You definitely need to smile more often. A smile could be the reason why you get that job. This is why you need to commit to your dental appointments and take care of your teeth. If your teeth are making you smile less, you should visit a dentist for bleaching and other dental procedures. Here are other reasons why wearing a smile while job hunting is good for you:

Perception: There is nothing as important as people’s perception during a job interview. Showing a smile automatically shows that you are confident in your skills and that you belong there. No one will know that you are shaking and anxious in the inside when you smile. The interviewer’s perception of who you are as a person is important in order to get that job.

Salary and benefits: Studies show that people who smile during job hunting and interviews while having a conversation with people are likely to be offered more salaries than their counterparts. This shows that you know what you are doing and have the ability to deliver in your line of work. Studies also show that workers who visit their dentists to get their teeth whitened also get a raise and other benefits at work.

Breaks the ice: Anytime you meet new people especially during job hunting, there is always a giant elephant in the room. A smile shows that you are willing to warm up to the interviewers and actually get to know them. This also allows them to understand and know the real you. You might be surprised how establishing a relationship with these people could be the only reason why you are more qualified than your counterparts.

More opportunities: You will be surprised at the doors that a smile can open for you. People have landed better job positions and promotions because of their smiles. A smile shows people that you are approachable

While awareness concerning oral hygiene and appropriate preventative measures has improved considerably over the years, the availability and prominence of candy and junk food has skyrocketed ever since. Unless you drink water only, it is unavoidable to protect your teeth against acidic, sugary, and potentially stain-threatening drinks. Although maintaining good oral hygiene and recognizing beverages that are dangerous to your teeth will protect you against the buildup of bacteria, these drinks are notorious for affecting your teeth:

Soda

It is not surprising that drinking excess sugary sodas can result in cavities. What most people do not know is that the acids present in carbonated soft beverages seem to harm teeth. Although sugar free alternatives are better, acidity still plays a major role in dental issues. Elevated sugar amounts combined with elevated acidity levels, both of which make soda tastier, can make your tooth enamel wear thin over time, increasing vulnerability to staining. If you must drink soda, it is advisable to use a straw or take the soda during a meal instead of sipping it during the day. This helps in neutralizing the acid.

Sports and Energy Drinks

Similar to soda, these beverages comprise elevated levels of acidity and sugar. This causes your enamel to break down, resulting in a higher likelihood of developing tooth cavities and decay. These soda substitutes can result in the most damage since they attack your tooth enamel, which you can neither fix nor replace.

Coffee

Although the caffeine content in this beverage may stimulate you, its dark brown color can turn your teeth yellow over time, if you do not care for your teeth. Many people include this drink in their diets. To reduce its effects on your teeth, try limiting the amounts you take every day. Alternatively, you could follow every cup with constant water consumption. If you feel you could benefit from a whitening boost, seek your dentist's advice.

Tea

All teas, especially black and other dark combinations stain your teeth in a similar manner as coffee. Although tea may appear to have a subtle effect, this is not the case when it comes to your teeth. Some black tea may have a higher staining effect than coffee. Similar to red wine, black teas usually have an elevated content of tannin, which encourages staining.

You will not ruin your teeth with these beverages. However, long-term exposure is what could lead to severe damage. Nevertheless, increasing your water intake, using a straw, and flossing regularly will help guard your teeth against decay and sugar buildup.

Yawning is a semi voluntary act characterised by a simultaneous inhalation of air, accompanied by stretch and followed by exhalation of breath. It is often perceived as an indicator for sleepiness, hunger, boredom or fatigue. Yawning can be triggered by sociological, physiological and neurological factors. People yawn for various reasons that may include some of the following:

To regulate brain temperature

When you yawn cool air is drawn into the body creating a cooling effect in the brain, blood flow to the brain is also increased when the jaw stretches. This is thought to increase the cooling effect.

Yawning is infectious

Simple daily observations can attest to the fact that yawning is contagious. Yawning is a non-verbal form of communication whereby you can yawn because someone else has yawned; this is because human beings have a tendency of imitating and empathising with other individuals in a social group while communicating.

Yawning as an arousal mechanism to maintain alertness.

Yawning is an arousal mechanism to maintain alertness and delay the desire to sleep. When you yawn you stretch your jaw muscles, which aid blood flow to the brain, this results in stimulating the brain to consciousness. Yawning brings with it a desire to stretch. Stretching promotes alertness and prepares the body for action.

Yawning because of neurological stimuli.

Yawning is a respiratory act aided by neurological factors. Chemicals in the brain associated with moods and emotions such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamine and endorphins have been linked to yawning. Increased levels of Serotonin and dopamine have been seen to increase yawning activity while chemicals such as endorphins reduce yawn frequency.

Yawning as a diagnostic tool in medicine.

Excessive and frequent yawning has been associated with medical conditions such as psychosis and multiple sclerosis and has been perceived as an early indicator of neurological disorder.

While on the other hand the physiological role of yawning has been proposed as an arousal reflex to reverse brain hypoxia.

When yawning always maintain etiquette. Yawning is interpreted differently by different people. Remember that during a yawn your teeth and a large part of your mouth are visible. Depending on your oral hygiene people may see your stained teeth or get a whiff of that not so fresh breath from your mouth. In most communities it is socially acceptable to employ the following rules of etiquette during a yawn:

Regular visits to your dentist are necessary for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Your teeth form a significant element of your body and maintaining their cleanliness also helps keep your body and mouth clean. A considerable number of people do not recognize that dental checkups play a vital role in their oral hygiene as well as in the early detection and prevention of severe medical issues such as oral cancer and gum disease. These reasons indicate why you should see a dentist:

Disease Prevention

Visiting your dentist regularly could help protect you against various conditions such as gum disease. Gum disease, particularly gingivitis is a major cause of tooth loss and tooth decay. If your dentist discovers this disease early, you can receive treatment. However, if untreated, you could develop periodontitis, which researchers have linked to the likelihood of developing a stroke or heart attack. Regular visits will therefore reduce your risk of getting dental infections. For instance, cavities not only cause pain but could also be potentially dangerous. The infection could spread to your bloodstream, resulting in septicemia.

Early Detection

When your dentist detects problems such as cavities early, you will obtain simpler treatment procedures and better outcomes. For instance, non-surgical techniques can treat mild and moderate forms of gum disease. However, advanced forms may require a surgical procedure. Early detection also enables your dentist to reverse the early symptoms of a cavity through re-calcification of your enamel using fluoride treatment. If untreated, a cavity could expand and affect the pulp and dentin of your tooth. At this point, your dentist may recommend a filling or root canal treatment.

Financial

Regular dental visits can offer financial benefits by helping you cut down on dental expenses. The treatments for the initial phases of oral problems tend to be simple and less costly. However, treating a problem in its advanced phase will need complicated procedures, which will typically be expensive. For instance, a filling will cost you less than a root canal treatment.

Avoid Complications

Early detection can avoid various complications. For instance, if your dentist does not identify and treat a decayed tooth accordingly, it may produce pus around your tooth's roots. This will in turn produce excruciating pain. Bacterial infection from the pus could also spread, causing complications such as bone infection, sinusitis, and a dental cyst.

Maintain good oral health

Regular dental visits enable you to maintain a good oral health. During your visit, your dentist could discover plaque and consequently offer you advice on how to prevent further accumulation.

Losing a tooth in the course of one’s life is not uncommon. People lose their teeth to tooth decay, accidents, cracks and gum disease amongst many other reasons.

Importance of teeth

Our teeth play a vital role in our lives.

Teeth are important for chewing and biting. Without teeth, we would not be able to bite or chew food to enable digestion.

Teeth are important for maintaining face structure. The teeth contribute to the overall structural components of our face.

Teeth contribute to our appearance. They are of high aesthetic value. A healthy set of teeth contributes to a beautiful smile and is a boost in self-confidence.

Teeth are important for speech. They assist in the sounding of words.

Why you should replace missing teeth

We often don’t take the loss of a tooth seriously. However, even the loss of a single tooth can set off a chain reaction with serious repercussions. There are many reasons to replace a missing tooth including:

A loss in functionality of some teeth. When you extract a tooth, the function of the opposing tooth is immediately compromised. For example, the opposing tooth can no longer be used for chewing as there is no surface against which to chew. In reality then, you will be losing two teeth not just one.

When a tooth is extracted, you are basically removing a supporting surface for the adjacent teeth. Teeth adjacent to the gap will tilt or lean as a result of the lack of support. The result is an unstable bite. This in turn affects your ability to chew food properly. You may either not enjoy eating or fail to chew food properly and develop digestive problems.

In addition to developing an unstable bite, there are chances of developing gum pockets around the leaning or tilting teeth. These gum pockets will trap food debris as well as bacteria. This can lead to the build-up of plaque and the development of cavities. It can also result in gum disease.

The missing tooth will result in the moving of your back teeth further back into your mouth. The result is the exposure of the roots of these back teeth. Exposure of the roots will result in the decay of the teeth. Because the roots of the teeth are exposed, the decay will occur much faster than with teeth whose roots are covered.

If you have any missing teeth, talk to your dentists about getting implants and having your teeth replaced.

Foods which maintain a longer contact by lingering in the mouth include processed foods such as chocolate, sweets and cakes., Healthy fruitsounds such as raisins and grapes are chewy and sticky thus they stay in the mouth for longer and can cause dental cavities. Food can get stuck on your teeth because of a number of reasons which includes:

Food properties.

Some foods like peanut and jelly are sugary, sticky and chewy and . They have a tendency of adhering on your teeth when you are eating. wWhen they accumulate over a period of time on your teeth, they resulting into plaque. The bacteria in plaque produces acid that corrodes the tooth enamel causing cavities.

Meat has fibres that stick in between adjacent tooth, when not properly cleaned can accumulate over time resulting to plaque, gum disease and dental carries.

Spaces between teeth.

Some people have dental contours or natural spacing between two adjacent teeth while other people have cracks in between their teeth caused by crowning or fillings. tThese spaces can trap food particles.

Cavities.

When you have cavities, sticky foods that remain on your teeth after chewing can hasten the decaying of your tooth and also cause sensitivity.

Improper brushing and flossing technique.

When brushing your teeth always employ the proper brushing technique. Using a soft bristled tooth brush and gently moving the brush in short strokes, ensuring you remove plaque from under the gum line. Flossing should be practisedpracticed with great care not to pushressure food debris in between your teeth and into your gum line.

Dental braces.

Always clean your braces with patience and precision, removing tiny food particles and thick sticky plaque which might have formed between your teeth and gum.

When you eat foods that easily stick on your teeth you should:

Brush your teeth after every meal or use sugar free chewing gum to inhibit formation of plaque and also remove food particles which might linger in your mouth.

When flossing use the proper technique to ensure you get rid of food particles that have stuck in between your teeth.

If you have dental braces clean your teeth with precision to make sure your braces and arch wire do not trap food particles that can accumulate over time forming plaque and tartar.

Always check your mouth when you are done with your cleaning routine to make sure all visible food and plaque have been removed.

Teeth may darken for a number of reasons, but top on that list are the foods that you eat and your dental hygiene practices. With good hygiene practices, you can still eat them without adversely affecting your teeth in the process.

Tooth discoloration is classified into:

Extrinsic discoloration – this stains the outer layer, or enamel of your teeth

Intrinsic discoloration – this occurs when staining goes as deep as the dentin (found under the enamel).

Here’s why your teeth might darken:

Food and beverages – Some fruits and vegetables, such as potatoes, apples, as well as taking large amounts of tea, coffee, wines and colas will slowly change your teeth color.

Smoking and tobacco chewing

Poor oral hygiene – If you don’t regularly brush your teeth or floss to remove plaque and the staining substances in the foods that you eat, your teeth will stain and darken in time.

Diseases – Oral diseases which attack the enamel and dentin (the uppermost and second uppermost layers of the teeth), as well as treatment regimens for certain diseases can cause darkening. For instance, chemotherapy and radiation around the head and neck areas can lead to teeth discoloration. Also, if an expectant mother suffers certain infections, the fetus’s enamel development may be interfered with, leading to discoloration.

Medication – Some antibiotics, such as doxycycline and tetracycline can cause tooth discoloration, particularly if given to children below 8 years of age, whose enamels are still developing. Others include mouthwashes with cetylpyridinium chloride or chlorhexidine, anti-psychosis medication, antihistamines (e.g. Benadryl) and anti-hypertension drugs.

Age – With age, the enamel of your teeth gets worn down, revealing the dentin, which is naturally yellow.

Heredity and genetics – Some people are born with thicker or brighter enamels.

Environment –Exposure to excess fluorine, either in drinking water or other applications to the teeth will cause tooth discoloration.

Prevention and management

Tooth discoloration is easily preventable. For instance, cut back on coffee and tea intake and quitting smoking if these are your Achilles’ heel. If you absolutely can’t stop, try cleaning your teeth right after or rinsing with a mouthwash.

Make sure your oral hygiene regimen is strictly followed, brush and floss regularly, and then visit the dentist or dental hygienist for cleaning and plaque removal every six months or so. Should the discoloration persist even after you have adopted good practices, schedule a visit to the dentist to ensure that there aren’t any underlying ailments.

Candy is a treat that everyone loves to indulge in once in a while. It is not only sweet to the mouth but also a convenient way to get a quick dose of sugar for energy. There are many reasons why candy is not good for your teeth. It is important to ensure that everything that finds its way into your mouth does not damage your teeth in any way.

Not good for your enamel – The enamel of the teeth is the hard component on the surface. It may look tough but enamel is liable to get damaged and cause you problems. Hard candy wears away at the enamel making it weak and liable to crack in due time. This is a possibility for anyone who has the habit of using the teeth to crunch at the hard candy. Soft candy will get stuck on the teeth making it easy for plaque to form which damages your teeth.

Sugars – Most candies have sugar as a primary ingredient. Sugar in the mouth causes bacteria to convert it into acids that eat away at the teeth making them to rot. Sometimes the sugar is left in hard to reach parts of the tooth meaning you might not get rid of it with simple brushing.

These reasons are why dentists discourage the use of candy and other sweets. If you suffer from a sweet tooth the best option is to substitute candy with healthier alternative. You can opt for sugarless treats. Some candy is made from sugars that are not easily broken down by the bacteria in the mouth to cause havoc to your teeth.

You can also opt for sweet fruits and vegetables as they are a safer alternative. This alternative not only protects you from the bad sugars but helps you get the necessary nutrients that are essential for strong gums and teeth. You can choose fruits that are easy to pop in the mouth such as grapes and the like.

If you eat a lot of sweets, taking care of your teeth should be given priority. You should ensure that you brush and floss regularly. Brushing ensures that you have a clean mouth that neutralizes the sugars in the mouth. It also ensures that any candy stuck to the teeth is scrapped away. You can also drink lots of water daily so that you can dilute the sugar in the mouth and wash it away too.

One of the reasons why people go to the dentist is to deal with bad breath. Having bad breath is not only damaging to your teeth but can also ruin your social life. There are cases where bad breath is caused by medical conditions or oral infections. In most cases, bad breath is caused by the food we eat.

Naturally, it is not teeth that give you bad breathe but bacteria that are found in our mouths. When food particles are left on your teeth and gums, bacteria multiplies and releases waste products that not only cause tooth decay and gum diseases but also make your mouth smell. This can ruin people’s mood anytime you speak. To ensure that this does not happen, it is important to know the foods that give you bad breath. Here are some of them:

Garlic: When the body is digesting garlic, allyl methyl sulfide is released to the bloodstream. This is transferred to the lungs and air. Garlic is also released on the skin. This is the reason why it is ranked as the top food that causes bad breath.

Onions: Onions smell great when put in food and salads. This vegetable also adds flavor in food. However, when eaten, they produce a smelly compound, halitosis, which stays in your mouth and causes bad breath. Halitosis is expelled from the body every time you exhale.

Alcohol: Many people love alcohol because it relaxes them and is considered a social drink. When alcohol is taken, it creates an environment where bacteria can grow in the mouth. This is because alcohol makes the mouth dry and reduces saliva in the mouth. This makes bacteria multiply in the mouth causing bad breath.

Coffee: This is the most popular drink in the world. People love coffee because of the smell and the taste. However, this drink is responsible for bad breath. Acidity and enzymes in coffee are responsible for bad breath when it mixes with saliva.

Indian curry: This curry is included in food because it acts as an anti-bacteria agent. However, the spice usually leaves you with bad breath after eating.

Horseradish: This is sauce that is commonly used in beef sandwiches. It is responsible for adding flavor to the sandwich. This flavor comes from isothiocyanate, which originates from plants. This compound is responsible for bad breath.

Dentistry is filled with numerous inventions that have helped further its achievement in promoting effective oral care. The inventions of equipment and procedures trace the history of dentistry back thousands of years. This shows that concern for oral health is not a modern event but something even ancient people were grappling with.

Tooth Brush

The toothbrush was first invented by the Chinese long ago where they used the hair found on pigs’ neck as bristles. The toothbrush has been modified since then with the first mass produced toothbrush hitting the market in England and was created by William Addis. The electric toothbrush was invented in 1939 in Switzerland.

Toothpaste

The invention of toothpaste goes as far back as 500 B.C. and was used in India and China. Modern toothpastes were first created in 1800s with Dr. Peabody being the first to use soap as part of the ingredient of toothpaste. Modifications of the content of toothpaste have continued to evolve. Advancement in technology has seen the use of synthetic soaps and addition of fluoride. It has also seen the change in packaging from toothpaste in a jar to use of collapsible tubes which were introduced in 1892 by Dr. Washington Sheffield.

Dental Floss

Use of dental floss and toothpicks can be traced back to prehistoric civilizations. The invention of modern floss is attributed to Levi Spear Parmly in 1815 who promoted the use of a silk thread. Dental floss has seen evolved to use of nylon as opposed to silk for flossing.

Toothpicks

Although signs of toothpicks used are seen in prehistoric times, the modern invention of toothpicks go to Silas Noble and J. P. Cooley who patented the first toothpick making machine in 1872.

Dental Filling

The French dentists are credited with the use of mercury dental fillings in the early 1800s. Arculanus was the first to advocate for use of gold leaf filling in 1848.

Dentist’s Drill & Chair

The first dentist drill was patented in 1875 by George Green while the dentist’s chair is credited to Waldo Hanchett in 1848.

False Teeth & Use of Pain Killers

Installing false teeth is an ancient practice that goes back to 700 B.C. Here false teeth were designed from ivory and bone which were then held in place by gold bridgework. The Chinese used acupuncture from around 2700 B.C to treat tooth pain. The use of cocaine as an anaesthetic was introduced in 1884. Novocain was created in 1905 by Alfred Einkorn.

One of the reasons why people go to the dentist is to deal with bad breath. Having bad breath is not only damaging to your teeth but can also ruin your social life. There are cases where bad breath is caused by medical conditions or oral infections. In most cases, bad breath is caused by the food we eat.

Naturally, it is not teeth that give you bad breathe but bacteria that are found in our mouths. When food particles are left on your teeth and gums, bacteria multiplies and releases waste products that not only cause tooth decay and gum diseases but also make your mouth smell. This can ruin people’s mood anytime you speak. To ensure that this does not happen, it is important to know the foods that give you bad breath. Here are some of them:

Garlic: When the body is digesting garlic, allyl methyl sulfide is released to the bloodstream. This is transferred to the lungs and air. Garlic is also released on the skin. This is the reason why it is ranked as the top food that causes bad breath.

Onions: Onions smell great when put in food and salads. This vegetable also adds flavor in food. However, when eaten, they produce a smelly compound, halitosis, which stays in your mouth and causes bad breath. Halitosis is expelled from the body every time you exhale.

Alcohol: Many people love alcohol because it relaxes them and is considered a social drink. When alcohol is taken, it creates an environment where bacteria can grow in the mouth. This is because alcohol makes the mouth dry and reduces saliva in the mouth. This makes bacteria multiply in the mouth causing bad breath.

Coffee: This is the most popular drink in the world. People love coffee because of the smell and the taste. However, this drink is responsible for bad breath. Acidity and enzymes in coffee are responsible for bad breath when it mixes with saliva.

Indian curry: This curry is included in food because it acts as an anti-bacteria agent. However, the spice usually leaves you with bad breath after eating.

Horseradish: This is sauce that is commonly used in beef sandwiches. It is responsible for adding flavor to the sandwich. This flavor comes from isothiocyanate, which originates from plants. This compound is responsible for bad breath.

Flossing is one of the most important dental hygienic routines that everyone should be able to do regularly. Children under the age of twelve can be assisted by their parents to floss properly so that they can learn and carry the habit into their future. Sadly, only very few people floss. Additionally, the few that floss sometimes do not do so properly.

One of the misconceptions about flossing is that it is hard work. When you know how to floss, you will not only prefer it as opposed to tooth decay but you will also reap the benefits of strong and healthy teeth. Dental floss also prevents gum diseases. It removes plaque that is between teeth and on gums.

It is important to learn how to floss properly. You need to know when and where to floss so as not to have the excuse of not having time for the activity. Here are a few suggestions:

When to Floss

Floss only when you are at your highest energy level and enthusiasm.

If you are a morning person, you should have your breakfast and brush your teeth. After this, you can floss.

People who are active in the afternoon can floss after they have had their lunch.

Anytime your eyes and brain are ready to begin the day, you should floss and ensure that your teeth are well taken care of. People who are active in the evening can floss right before bed.

Where to Floss

Remember that flossing is a cleaning process and there is bound to be some leftover food particles on the string or on your hands. It is therefore important to do this activity in the bathroom. This is because you can use the water to rinse your hands and teeth when you need to.

Some people floss in the shower.

If you rarely have time to do this at home, you can take advantage of the time you will spend in traffic and floss in the car.

Those who love watching movies and television can floss as they enjoy their shows.

How to Floss

Wrap the floss thread on your middle fingers. Make sure you have at least eighteen inches of thread in between.

Hold the floss with your thumb and index finger and push it inside the spaces of the tooth. This should be follow an up and down movement taking care not to injure the gums.

Do this several times in between the teeth. Make sure you also clean near the gums gently. Use clean floss each time you remove it from the spaces.

Many of us think of snoring as nothing more than a nuisance. We never think that regular and loud snoring could be a sign of a more serious problem. Loud and frequent snoring can be a sign of a breathing disorder known as sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder exhibited by loud snoring and irregular breathing. In sleep apnea, breathing will repeatedly stop and start again as the person sleeps. The way the person breathes while sleeping is affected by sleep apnea. Breathing can stop for between 10 to 20 seconds at a time. These stops in breathing can occur more than a hundred times at night. They result in interruptions in normal sleep rhythm. As a result, people with sleep apnea will spend most of their night in a light sleep instead of deep restorative sleep that is needed for rejuvenation.

Most people with sleep apnea experience drowsiness during the day, poor concentration and have slow reflexes. They are therefore at a higher risk of being in an accident.

Symptoms and signs of sleep apnea

Identifying sleep apnea can be difficult. This is especially because it occurs when you’re sleeping. However, it can be identified with the help of a loved one who can record your habits while you’re sleeping.

The most common signs and symptoms of sleep apnea include:

Prolonged pauses in breathing while snoring followed by gasping or choking.

Drowsiness during the day after a full night’s sleep.

Headaches in the morning.

Problems with learning or memory. A general inability to concentrate.

Irritability, depression and mood swings. Some people exhibit complete personality changes as a result of the lack of sleep.

Frequently waking up to urinate.

Sore throat or dry mouth upon waking up.

Sleep apnea in children

Contrary to popular belief, sleep apnea is not restricted to adults. Children can also be affected by sleep apnea. The following are common symptoms of sleep apnea in children:

Loud snoring

Bizarre sleeping positions

Bedwetting especially in children who had already stopped bedwetting

Night terrors

Excessive perspiration while sleeping

Types of sleep apnea

Obstructive: Caused when the soft tissue at the back of the throat blocks the airway during sleep. It is the most common type of sleep apnea.

Central: Involves the central nervous system. It occurs when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that are responsible for controlling breathing. This type of sleep apnea is seldom exhibited by snoring.

When you visit the dentist, you will notice that there is always music playing in the background. This music is used to relax and calm the patients. Dentists always want their patients to relax when they come for an appointment. Indeed music in the dental office can make a big difference in the overall experience you have at the clinic.

Music also affects the mood of patients and dentists. Studies show that music increases people’s productivity because it calms and soothes them. It is a fact that each individual has his or her own taste in music. People’s favorite music falls under classical, oldies, rock, jazz and blues. While there are people who love listening to music at the dental office, there are others who love listening to the news as they prepare for their appointment.

With the unlimited choices of music that we have, it can be challenging for the dentist to choose a genre that his patients will enjoy. While classic music soothes an individual while working, the same genre can be someone else’s boredom. However, there are some dentists who are very creative when it comes to ensuring that their patients hear only their favorite music at the clinic. Here are some of the ways that they ensure this is possible:

Plug and play: Dentists allow their patients to plug in earphones while in the office and choose a genre of music that they love. This is mostly encouraged when the dentist is administering treatment as it makes the patient relaxed.

Radio stations: Different radio stations are known to play music in certain categories at certain times. There are times when only classical music is played while other times, hits are played. Dentists will choose the most popular radio stations or program on radio while their patients are waiting for their appointment.

Surveys: Dentists are always encouraging their patients to share their thoughts about their experience while at the clinic. They find out the kind of music that their patients like and provide it based on popular demand.

Paid music services: There are dentists who prefer having paid subscription to music services. This is because there is continuous playing of people’s favorite songs. The song selection is also very wide and uninterrupted.

Playlists: There are certain dentists that will design playlists based on the selection of their patients. They will therefore have the playlist on CDs and DVDs that will play uninterrupted music.

If it was possible to take a look at the organism living in your mouth you would be very amazed. The mouth is not a sterile place and is full of bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. These organisms are not harmful as such as long as there numbers remain in just the right quantity. These organisms are found in all corners of the mouth including the tongue and the teeth.

They are helpful to the function of the body and their duties include:

Keeping at bay harmful bacteria that are not good for your health.

They feed off each other therefore managing the population in the mouth.

They feed on the food that gets stuck in the teeth, helping to keep the mouth clean.

One strain of bacteria that occurs naturally in the mouth but is responsible for cavities is the Streptococcus mutants. It is believed that it may have started out like good bacteria but due to changes in diets and introduction of refined sugars, it mutated such as to produce excessive acidic compounds from sugars. The large quantity of acids produced may have overwhelmed the body’s natural defence to neutralize the acids effectively.

The body was designed such as to manage these organisms that have taken residence in the mouth. As long as the environment is left at optimal conditions, these organisms will continue to work in the body as they were meant to offering protection from harmful pathogens. The undesired pathogens such as the cavity causing bacteria however should not be allowed to thrive in the mouth.

Observing ideal hygienic practices will ensure that your mouth is healthy. Managing your intake of refined sugar is the first thing that you can do. When you eat healthy and avoid sugary food and drinks, you will starve the bacteria of their primary source of food. Also you will make your teeth and gums stronger to resist the effect of the acids. Regular brushing of your teeth and flossing will also remove any food debris that can be used to manufacture the acidic compounds that are harmful for your oral health.

Regular visits to the dentist will ensure that you get professional cleaning once in a while. You will also get advice on the best care to take to ensure that the organisms in your mouth do not cause harm to your oral health.

Candy comes in every shape and size. With such a wide variety, you may find yourself liking one type of candy over the others. This is the candy that you keep within reach and would not pass an opportunity to indulge in it. Maybe you just love the taste and feel of the candy but did you know that the type of candy you prefer reflects your personality type?

Lollipops - If you like popping this type of candy in your mouth, chances are that you are a thinker. You take time to think things over before making a decision. Outsiders may even consider you wise and smart. You take things slowly and are never in a rush.

Sour gummies - This type of candy is unique in that it does not invoke any sweetness but speaks to the part of the tongue that is sour. This type of candy is sour in the mouth but there are people who eat these sour sweets with relish without even making a sour face. The personality type that can be associated with this candy type someone who can hide feelings. Such a person is also considered adventurous and fun.

Gum balls - A person who likes gum balls is always on the move. Such a personality has a ready to go off and do something attitude. The person is also organized and good at multitasking.

Chocolate lover - If you love chocolate, you are a sincere and truthful person. You can also be considered to be a very good friend.

M & M’s - Anyone who loves M & M’s is a fun person who is the life of the party. You are social and into fun events and even enjoy organizing them so that you can invite your friends. You also are creative and good at making crafts and carrying out building projects.

Snickers - If you like this treat, then you are a blatantly honest person. You are also caring in nature and protective of everyone that you love.

Skittles – If this is your favorite sweet then you are a generous person who is big at giving. You like having pets and care deeply about animals. You are also helpful and go out of your way to help others in need. You are always volunteering your time and services to others.

While your teeth are very strong, they can break under some circumstances, causing pain and a considerable amount of anxiety and discomfort. Incidents such as falling or biting something hard can cause your tooth to break. When your tooth breaks, you may not experience pain but your tongue typically feels the sharp area rather quickly. Breaking your tooth can be upsetting. However, you do not need to worry provided you can see a dentist rapidly. Recognizing the treatment for a broken tooth could help with pain management until you receive a permanent solution from your dentist. These measures are vital in helping you deal with a broken tooth.

Dental appointment

If possible, see your dentist 2-3 hours following the breakage. Anything longer decreases the chances of reviving your tooth while increasing the likelihood of infection or losing the whole tooth. Your dentist will assess the damage and establish the appropriate treatment course.

Recognize the various types of breaks

Teeth can break, chip, or fracture. Chipped and broken teeth are more severe than fractures. However, you should still exercise care and receive medical attention to any form of tooth breakage. When huge pieces of your tooth break off, the tooth nerve could cause considerable pain when exposed to air, saliva, cold, or hot stimuli such as beverages or food.

If possible, save the pieces of your broken tooth

You can do this if you are mindful at the time of breakage. It is essential that you prevent your tooth from drying. Therefore, you should store it in water and take it to your dentist. You can also rinse your tooth pieces under water while taking care not to lose them.

In case of pain, take a pain reliever

You can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for instance ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications will relieve the pain before you obtain stronger medication from your dentist.

Rinse your mouth

You should use salt water to rinse your mouth. It is important to gargle with salt water to help prevent possible infection.

Apply gauze in case of bleeding

Apply gauze to the affected area for about 10 minutes until you stop bleeding. If gauze does not stop the bleeding, wash with cold water. This helps in contracting your blood vessels, thereby controlling the bleeding.

Use a cold pack to reduce swelling

Place a cold pack to your cheek to reduce swelling while awaiting treatment.

Treatment for a broken tooth will depend largely on the severity of the damage. A badly broken or damaged tooth may need a more costly and lengthy procedure.

How teeth are aligned in the mouth will affect the smile that you flash to the world. Previously, if someone had misaligned teeth and did not have them corrected during childhood, he or she was doomed to live like that as nothing much could be done after teenage years have passed. The good news is that now adults and people in their late teens can have the spacing or crowding problems they may have corrected in a very effective and subtle way.

The only way that the teeth can be aligned and spacing problems corrected is by use of braces. Traditionally, braces were created from metals that were visible for all to see. They were attached to the teeth and had to remain in place for as long as they were needed. Thanks to advancement in technology, you can now have your teeth alignment problems sorted without having to deal with the unattractive side of braces.

Invisalign and Clear Correct are the latest in tooth aligning tools. They are different from conventional braces in that they are made from a clear material that makes them hard to see. When using these aligners, no one will even know you have them on unless you tell of course. These two use a system of clear aligners that slowly align the teeth, getting rid of spacing and crowding problems.

Apart from being invisible, they are different to traditional braces in many other ways:

They are flexible therefore you can remove them at any time you want to brush your teeth and floss.

They are easy to use as you just place them in the mouth. You do not need to visit a dentist to have them installed and removed.

They work within a short time and you will have them for just as long as you need.

They are comfortable to use. They are custom made for a perfect fit therefore comfortable for you.

They have helped add a cosmetic appeal to anyone who wants to correct their teeth alignment. They give adults a second chance to correct how their teeth look and therefore improve their self-confidence. The aligners work in sets that are changed as the treatment progresses. Once you are through with the last set, your teeth will have been straightened. A dentist will be able to let you know if you qualify for Invisalign and Clear Correct.

One of the common dental routines is the brushing of teeth at least twice a day. Dentists also insist that their patients use toothpaste with fluoride. Sometimes, you find yourself asking what this fluoride is. Fluoride is a mineral found naturally in the soil, food and water. This means that fluoride is natural and found all over the earth.

In the United States, fluoride is added in drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Indeed studies show that people who drink fluoridated water decrease chances of having tooth decay by two thirds than those without fluoride in the water. This is why the American Dental Association approves the adding of fluoride in water. Here are some facts about fluoride:

Fluoride prevents cavities: This mineral promotes bone growth in teeth. It hardens the enamel and allows children and adults to have strong and healthy teeth. As you grow old, your bones will be able to hold the teeth in place because of fluoride. When the enamel is hard, your teeth will also be strong.

Re mineralization: Anytime we eat or drink food and fluids that contain acid, saliva will carry this acid and cause demineralization of the teeth. Calcium in the teeth is dissolved under the surface of the teeth. When the saliva has little acid, re mineralization occurs. With the presence of fluoride, the minerals that are deposited under the surface of the teeth remain for longer and strengthen bones and teeth.

Getting the right amount of fluoride: It is important to get the right amount of fluoride in your teeth as this prevents dental diseases. Too much fluoride is discouraged. Dentists agree that if the drinking water has fluoride, brushing with toothpaste that has fluoride is enough to strengthen your gums and teeth. If the water you use is from a public water system, it is important to find out if it has fluoride. You can do this by calling the water district. You can also have the water tested if you have a private water supply system such as a well.

Seeking dental advice for fluoride: Dentists prescribe fluoride to patients who have tooth decay or do not receive enough fluoride for their teeth. There are fluoride tablets and drops that are available for children and adults. The recommended dosage should be taken daily. The dentist is the right person to prescribe the right amount of fluoride for the family as he or she understands your dental history.

A dental crown or dental cap is a tooth-shaped covering that is placed on a tooth to cover it. It is often used to restore the size, shape or strength of the tooth. Dental caps can also be used to improve the appearance of a tooth.

Dental crowns are cemented into position. The completely cover the visible part of the tooth, which is the part that lies above the gum line.

When is a Dental Crown Used?

Dental crowns can be used in a wide variety of situations. Some of the most common situations include:

Holding dental bridges in place.

Covering a dental implant.

Covering a weak tooth and thereby protecting it from breaking or cracking. The tooth may be weak as a result of tooth decay or other physical damage.

The replacement of severely worn or broken down teeth.

The support of a tooth that has a large filling. A dental crown will be used when there is little of the original tooth left. The crown offers support to the filling and the remaining tooth.

In cosmetic dentistry, crowns are used to cover discolored or misshapen teeth.

Typed of dental crowns

The materials used to make permanent crowns vary. Some of the most common types of crowns used today include:

Metals:

These are usually alloys of precious metals such as gold, nickel or chromium. These dental crowns offer the advantage of reducing the amount of tooth structure that has to be removed in order to insert the crowns. The wear to the opposing teeth is also minimal. These types of dental crowns are long lasting as they are resistant to wear and tear caused by chewing. They rarely break or crack. Their only drawback is their color.

Stainless steel:

These are usually used as a temporary measure. They are prefabricated and used to protect the tooth or lining until the permanent crown is inserted.

All-resin:

These are some of the most expensive crowns available today. They however wear down over time. They are also more prone to cracking and fractures than crowns that are made of porcelain fused to metal. They however cause less damage to opposing teeth.

Porcelain fused to metal:

These crowns can be made in a color similar to adjacent teeth giving them a natural look. The metal under the porcelain portion however may show as a dark line under the crown. The porcelain portion is vulnerable to chipping and breaking.

Have you admired the smiles that celebrities flash on cameras while they are one the red carpet? If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. Many people think that celebrities were born with these smiles. This is far from the truth. A beautiful smile is an investment. The key to most of the beautiful smiles that you see is veneers.

What is a veneer? It refers to a thin film of porcelain that is used to cover the surface of your tooth. The purpose of veneers is to enhance the look of your teeth permanently. It is one of the innovative procedures in cosmetic dentistry that have been discovered to correct how teeth look.

What Do Veneers Do?

If you have crooked teeth, you can consider getting veneers because they help in giving the appearance that your teeth are straighter.

Close spaces- when you have gaps on your teeth, they do not make your teeth look good. Closing these gaps can be done using veneers

Fix small chips- it is important to note that if you have a huge chip on your teeth, you might need extra help. Veneers can be used to fix small chips that occur on the enamel.

Lighten discoloration- a beautiful smile requires your pearly whites to be the right color. Veneers will help in whitening your teeth to look white.

Getting Veneers

Some of the things that you need to note about veneers when going for the procedure include:

You should get this procedure from a qualified cosmetic dentist. They are better equipped to handle the procedure. A regular dentist might offer you the best services.

Veneers are a minor dental procedure. You might get them in 2-3 dental visits.

The dentist will remove a little enamel from your teeth, to prepare your teeth for the procedure.

In some cases, you might need anesthesia for the procedure. The procedure is not painful but some people need the drugs to calm down during the procedure.

If you are not happy with your smile, you can always visit a dentist to see whether your teeth can be perfected by veneers. Veneers change the color, shape and even size of the teeth. The veneers will make your teeth look like they are evenly shaped and have a beautiful white color. This means that you can have the smile that you have always wanted.

We hardly take notice of our teeth until we are in pain or in need of some specialized dental care. Apart from regular brushing and flossing, it is not common to find people concerned about their teeth and their health.

Whether your children are asking you questions about the construction of your teeth or not, it is important to find out more about the structure of your teeth. This information will help you take better care of your teeth.

What are teeth made of?

Teeth are much more complex than they appear to be on the surface. They are comprised of layers.

The innermost layer is known as the pulp. The pulp consists of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. This is the living layer of the tooth.

The dentin is the next layer to the pulp. It makes up a large part of the tooth. The dentin is the protective layer of the tooth. It is the dentin that protects the tooth from the wear experienced when chewing. It is also protects the pulp from sudden changes in temperature. The dentin supports the enamel layer of the tooth that lies above it.

The enamel is the lawyer that is visible. It is much harder than the dentin that lies beneath it. It covers the while exposed part of the tooth.

The cementum is the layer of the tooth that coats the roots of the teeth. The cementum is what holds the tooth in place within the gum. It lies below the gum line.

Are teeth like bones?

Teeth and bones bare many similarities. Many people therefore make a connection between bones and teeth because they both contain a large amount of calcium. They are also very strong and have a white color.

Bones and teeth however are not one and the same thing. The difference lies in their construction. Bones contain a living tissue known as collagen. This tissue provides bones with the strength they require to withstand pressure. The collagen also enables the bones to grown.

Teeth obtain their strength from the dentin lawyer. Teeth in reality are much stronger than bones. They are much harder than bones. It takes much more to break or wear down a tooth than it does to break a bone. The strength of teeth is attributed to the enamel and dentin. Enamel is the hardest tissue that is found in the human body.

Dentists use fillings to repair your teeth and treat cavities. Currently, you can select from various filling materials depending on your dentist's recommendations. Your dentist can fill your teeth with materials including gold and silver amalgam. Your dentist will select a suitable filling depending on the extent and location of the decay, cost and insurance coverage. It is important to bear in mind that regular cleaning of your teeth and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent tooth decay hence avoid fillings. Moreover, regular checkups will ensure that your dentist identifies and treats any dental problems early.

Silver amalgam

Your dentist will recommend dental amalgam especially for teeth that are prone to excess wear and tear for instance molars. These fillings provide durability and strength at an affordable cost. However, they are likely to cause tooth cracks more easily than other materials. The main drawback of this material is that it is prone to contraction and expansion, creating spaces between your filling and tooth. Consequently, this enables the formation of cavities.

Composite

These fillings are popular because their color can match your teeth. However, they are not as resilient as metal fillings. Furthermore, they may need replacement after five years unlike metal, which requires replacement after 10-15 years.

Gold

These fillings are non-corrosive and sturdy. Gold fillings can last up to 15 years. Numerous patients find these fillings aesthetically pleasing. However, they tend to be costly and require several dental office visits.

Ceramic

These fillings are porcelain-made and are durable. They are also aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, this material is more costly compared to other materials. They are also resistant to abrasion and staining compared to composite fillings. The drawback of this material is that it is more fragile than composite fillings. Your dentist may have to decrease your tooth's size in order to create space for this material.

Glass ionomers

These fillings use acrylic and glass as materials. Although they are not durable, they are ideal for children because their teeth are still undergoing changes. Additionally, they can emit fluoride, which can help fight against tooth decay. The drawback of this material is that it is considerably weaker than composite and is more prone to fracture or wear and tear. This material does not match the tooth's color as composite does.

Tooth-colored fillings

Dentists place these fillings in your front teeth for cosmetic purposes. Recent enhancements have made them more affordable. They frequently function as a substitute to amalgam. However, these fillings are not always suitable. For instance, this material may be unsuitable for a huge filling in your back tooth.

Cavities are holes in your teeth resulting from tooth decay. Cavities typically occur in older adults, teenagers, and children although everyone is prone to have them regardless of age. They commonly cause tooth loss in young individuals. They develop due to a blend of factors including oral bacteria, frequent snacking, and sugary foods /beverages. If untreated, they become larger and affect the teeth's deeper layers. They can also lead to infection and severe toothache. Regular visits to your dentist and maintaining good flossing and brushing habits help prevent cavities.

Types of Cavities

Coronal

These cavities commonly affect adults and children.

Root cavities

As you age, your gums recede, leaving parts of your tooth root bare. As a result, the exposed areas decay easily because you no longer have enamel to cover your tooth roots.

Recurrent decay

Decay can develop around existing crowns and fillings. This occurs since these areas tend to accumulate plaque, which could ultimately result in decay.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cavities differ depending on the location and extent. When a cavity is in its initial stages, you may not experience any symptoms. However, your dentist may inform you that decay has begun and will recommend steps to prevent it from worsening. Cavities develop below your tooth's surface where you cannot see them. The best way to spot and treat them involves regular dental visits. As the decay increases in size, it may produce symptoms such as:

Tooth pain particularly after having hot, sweet, or cold beverages and foods

Visible holes or pits in your teeth. Cavities on your front teeth are the easiest to spot and will appear like black or brown spots. Cavities that exist in other parts of your mouth are frequently not noticeable without undergoing an X-ray

Dentists install fillings by eliminating the decayed areas and replacing them with various materials such as silver and porcelain. Numerous dentists consider gold and silver alloy to be more durable than resin or porcelain. However, these materials are rather visible hence; dentists normally place them on your back teeth.

Caps or Crowns

Dentist will use this option if the decay is extensive, leaving a weakened tooth. With this option, your dentist will remove the weakened or decayed area and fit a crown over the remaining tooth. Crowns are typically made of porcelain, gold, or porcelain joined to metal.

Some of the dental challenges that come with old age are changes in the appearance of the teeth, gum diseases, tooth decay and a dry mouth. Oral cancer is also an all-time high in patients above the age of forty. Dental visits increase as you get older because of these challenges. No matter the challenge you face, it is important to see a dentist and look for a solution. This is because teeth aging will contribute to your appearance and make you look old.

No one ever wants to look old. In fact, aging individuals always feel like children. It would be disastrous if they feel so young and yet look old. When the elderly visit dentists, their main request is that they want to look and feel attractive. When your teeth and skin age, there is a shifting of the teeth in the mouth causing changes in your smile. A dentist can assist you to get your beautiful smile and confidence back in the following ways:

Teeth cleaning

With aging, our teeth have a very high chance of having plaque. With the decrease of saliva, this can cause multiplication of bacteria. Bacteria cause inflammation and this affects the gums and tissues. The gums start to recede and this causes long teeth. A dentist will ensure that his patient does not suffer these problems by cleaning the teeth. There are patients that have their teeth cleaned once a week or a month depending on the condition.

Bleaching

Teeth enamel has tiny pores that soak in stains because of food, drinks and time. This causes the teeth to become dark. If you have dark teeth because of your genes, chances are that they will get darker with time. To solve this challenge, a dentist will make whitening trays to brighten teeth. Patients carry these trays home and use them to brighten their teeth. The best thing about these trays is that they are cost effective.

Bonding

Here, the dentist will solve problems of uneven teeth, spaces between teeth and chipping. Bonding is a filling material used to repair teeth. The material matches your tooth in color and restores your teeth to their original shape and size.

Teeth Implants

As soon as you lose your teeth, the bone on the sockets start sagging. This can cause tilting of other teeth surrounding it. Empty spaces in the mouth also change your appearance. Your cheeks can sag and the lips become thinner than they normally are. This is when you can get teeth implants to maintain your facial tone.

Sports activities are at best very vigorous. People taking part in sports activities are at a risk of having accidents that may make them lose one or two of their teeth. This is because in all sports, the body is in motion and controlling it when things get out of balance is not as easy. The face is usually on the receiving end and more so the teeth as they are easily knocked out. There is need to protect the teeth from such damage. One way that is recommended is the use of the mouth guard.

This piece of equipment may seem only necessary for those in contact sports such as rugby. However, it is vital for all sports people to use it to protect the teeth from being knocked out. This protective gear is worn over teeth and also protects the teeth from grinding. The basics to look out for when choosing a mouth guard are:

It should fit properly to help anchor the teeth.

It should be comfortable.

It should be able to last long therefore it should be able to withstand constant use.

It should be easy to clean.

Its design should allow easy breathing and talking.

A dentist should recommend a good mouth guard for you when you are looking for one. Basically, they can be classified into three types:

Readymade or stock mouth protectors.

This can be found in many sports stores and departments and they are usually not expensive. The downside to this type of mouth guards is that they are not easy to adjust to fit the user. They are also bulky, impede breathing and speech and they do not provide the best protection.

Boil and bite mouth guards

These are also available from sports stores and departments. They are made from a thermoplastic material. A user immerses the mouth guard in hot water to soften it and then using his fingers and tongue to shape it to the size and fit of his mouth.

Custom mouth guards

These are custom made at the dental clinic or professional laboratory. They are the best type as they are made to the specification of the users therefore offer the best protection. The material used is specially designed for mouth guards. This type of mouth protectors are great because they are comfortable and are assured to provide the needed protection.

The toothpaste that you use to clean your teeth is important if you want to maintain good oral health. Like most shoppers, you probably head for the familiar brand when buying toothpaste for your family. Before reaching for that toothpaste however, the ideal thing to do is to analyze the needs of your teeth. You can look at the needs based on the following:

Sensitivity

Tooth whiteness

Gum diseases

Cavity

Based on the prevailing condition of your teeth, you can then make the right choice of toothpaste. A simple toothpaste guide can therefore be classified as follows:

Toothpaste for normal teeth

If you have normal teeth, most probably you are not plagued by dental issues such as cavities and gum diseases. The best toothpaste for your type of teeth is one that helps you to maintain your teeth condition. Most toothpaste can help do this job so you are free to choose one that helps in preventing cavities and other gum diseases.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

There are people who are prone to suffer from tooth sensitivity. What this means is that they feel pain when the tooth comes into contact with either hot or cold food or drinks. The choice that they have is toothpaste that prevents sensitivity. The toothpaste also helps to strengthen the tooth itself.

Toothpaste for stained teeth

If your teeth are stained, regular brushing with whitening toothpaste is the recommended as it helps to reduce the staining. In fact most stained teeth are easily whitened using toothpaste without the need to use complicated whitening products that may cause damage to the teeth. Most of the whitening toothpaste has incorporated other ingredients that make the teeth not just whiter but stronger.

Fluoride Toothpaste

This is recommended for teeth that are not just cavity prone, but also to prevent the cavities. Fluoride is widely accepted as having the ability to strengthen teeth.

Natural toothpaste

This is for anyone who wants clean teeth without the added risk of using chemicals. It is given that ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are not good for the health of users. Therefore the alternative is natural toothpaste that is made from herbs and spices which do not cause harm to the body and are good for the general health of the mouth.

There are toothpastes available to suit different oral needs of consumers. Your dentist can help you narrow down what you need in your toothpaste choice for the best oral health results.

The toothbrush is the primary tool when it comes to the maintenance of good oral health. Like all dentists will tell you, brushing your teeth is the most effective way to fight plaque and other bacteria that causes tooth decay. You will find many options when it comes to choosing a toothbrush to use for your teeth. When it comes to dental care it is prudent to go with the option that suits your circumstances.

Electronic or manual toothbrushes

A manual toothbrush is what many people use as it is most commonly available. Electronic toothbrushes can be considered expensive from the initial cost to the purchase of new heads every three months and accessories such as chargers. Electronic toothbrushes though expensive are considered to be more effective as they clean more deeply. Your choice between the two will be decided by your budget. Manual toothbrushes still do carry out the function of cleaning teeth so they are not an inferior choice.

Size of toothbrush head

An ideal toothbrush head should be small so as to reach all corners of the mouth and easily maneuvered. A big toothbrush head may limit the reach of the toothbrush to the back of the mouth.

Bristles on the toothbrush

The toothbrush bristles come in soft, medium and hard. People always go with their preference as some may feel soft bristles are not effective for them or hard bristles are too clumsy in the mouth. As much as personal preference plays a part in the choice of toothbrush, a softer bristle is better as it does not injure the gum. Soft bristles are also more effective in reaching between teeth and their flexibility makes them ideal when brushing behind the teeth.

Handle on the toothbrush

This may seem to be a non-issue, but the handle is important to how effective the teeth cleaning will be. The handle should make it easy to use the toothbrush. A handle that is too rigid or too soft may hinder the controlling of the toothbrush over the teeth. They are some handles that snap as they cannot bend to the task of reaching all corners of the mouth. The handle should be flexible enough to accommodate your movements as you brush your teeth.

Choosing a toothbrush may either seem too easy if you don’t care about the toothbrush you use or too daunting if you do not know where to start. Talking to your dentist will help you understand what you should look for in the toothbrush that you use. Remember, for teeth cleaning to be effective, toothbrushes have to be replaced every three months.

A mouthwash is regarded as an extra help in the fight for good oral health. This is a liquid used to rinse the mouth after brushing and flossing and comes in different types. It is used to help in further cleaning of the mouth but it cannot be used in the place of brushing and flossing as a way to clean teeth. It is therefore a secondary method for maintain healthy teeth and gums. That said, mouthwash is useful for oral health. If you want to incorporate it to your daily routine, you should pick one that will help you achieve what you want in your oral health.

Cosmetic mouthwash

If all you want is to have an extra boost for a fresher breath, then a cosmetic mouthwash will do just fine. This type of mouth wash is ideal for when you want to have extra breath. It however does not kill plaque or other bacteria that cause bad breath. It offers no protection from cavities but is just useful for masking bad breath.

Antiseptic mouthwash

This is a stronger mouthwash that has antibacterial and other antiseptic agents. This mouthwash is very active in dealing with plaque and other bacteria that cause tooth decay and bad breath. They are reputed to kill up to 25% of plaque in the mouth thus making them ideal for the task. Like all other types of mouthwash, antiseptic mouthwash is used as a further aid to oral health practices and therefore is not a replacement of brushing teeth.

Fluoride mouthwash

This mouthwash is ideal for people who have to deal with tooth cavities and decay. Fluoride is an active ingredient in strengthening teeth and its use in mouthwash and toothpaste offers protection against tooth cavities. Cavities usually come about when the tooth enamel is eaten away by food particles which turn acidic when they come into contact with plaque. Fluoride therefore helps the enamel to remain strong therefore not prone to cavities.

Your choice of mouthwash should match what your needs are. Your dentist will help you make the right choice of mouthwash based on your oral needs. If you want to strengthen your teeth, then the fluoride mouthwash offers the best choice. Mouthwash should be used as directed. Children should use mouthwash under strict supervision as the alcohol content in the products may not be good for their health if swallowed.

Mouth sores are small and painful ulcers that appear in your mouth and often make talking and eating uncomfortable. In most instances, they are harmless and resolve on their own without needing treatment. However, you should seek treatment if they do not clear within a few days or if you experience recurring attacks. To help alleviate pain and promote speedy recovery, various treatment options ranging from topical ointments to mouth rinses exist.

Mouth rinses

If you experience numerous sores, your physician may prescribe a mouth rinse to decrease inflammation and pain. Oral suspensions of tetracycline can also decrease pain and promote fast recovery. However, tetracycline can make you vulnerable to oral thrush.

Topical pastes

Prescription and over-the-counter pastes that have active ingredients for instance benzocaine can help alleviate pain and hasten healing when applied to individual sores once they emerge. Your physician may recommend you apply the paste 2-4 times daily.

Topical anti-inflammatory medications

Steroid medications can topically reduce inflammation from mouth sores. These medications typically need a prescription. You should use this medication according to your physician's directions.

Topical antibiotics

Your physician or dentist may prescribe these medications if you face the possibility of getting bacterial infection. Signs of infection include redness, fever, and pus discharge.

Nutritional supplements

Your physician may prescribe a nutritional supplement if you consume low quantities of vital nutrients for instance folic acid and vitamin B-6.

Besides medical treatment, various home remedies can also treat mouth sores including:

Lysine

Lysine deficiency could trigger mouth sores. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a diet that comprises this important amino acid. You can obtain lysine in food and as a supplement. Dietary lysine is safe. However, elevated doses of supplements have been associated with gallstones. Moreover, if you suffer from liver or kidney disease, you should take the supplement under your physician's advice.

Iron and Folic Acid

Also called vitamin B3 or folate, folic acid may be an essential vitamin for mouth sores since it helps in healing wounds. Together with iron, folate is essential for red blood cell production and oxygen transportation in your body. Deficiencies in folic acid and iron may contribute to frequent mouth sores. Therefore, nutritional supplementation helps in delaying or diminishing their recurrence.

Yogurt

You can control mouth sores considerably with yogurt. Yogurt helps cure these sores as well prevent their occurrence. However, you must consume yogurt in its non-sweetened form.

The health of your teeth is imperative for you to enjoy life. Teeth are no just important for aesthetic value. They also play a significant role in nutrition and general health of the body. When your teeth are not fine, it is not possible to sit and relax. A toothache is a clear sign that your teeth require help. If possible get, professional help for your teeth.

Notably, one will get a toothache when the problem with their teeth has escalated. It is advisable to take care of your teeth an avoid waiting for a toothache to seek help from a professional. It is wise to schedule regular visits to the dentist to help you detect problems earlier and fix them. There are several things that cause toothache and it is important to find quick remedies for them when they odour. This is because toothaches can be unbearable.

A simple remedy for toothache at home is applying cold or hot compresses on the area that has been affected. Ice packs and hot water bottles can be extremely handy at this time. You should press these compresses on the area for at least fifteen minutes.

It is advisable to avoid things that will make the tooth more painful.

If you have a toothache because of tooth sensitivity, you should avoid both hot and cold things

Prop your head with pillows to reduce the pressure inside the tooth. This will in turn help in reducing the pain you are experiencing on the tooth.

If you have a toothache as a result of cavity or a tooth that is broken there are a few things that can help within the home. However, this is a serious condition and seeing a dentist immediately will be advisable. Some of the things that you can do at home for simple relief on your tooth include:

Placing sugar free gum on the fractured or cavity filled tooth

Cotton bud dipped in clove oil can help in settling the nerve

If the pain is from swollen gums or growing of wisdom teeth, you can find relief by

Using antiseptic mouthwashes and gels. They help in numbing the area affected.

Luke warm water with salt can also relieve the pain.

You can also get pain killers to help you relieve the pain however; you should only use medicine that you know is safe from a recognised dentist.

Procedures on root canal are usually painful. In fact, some patients usually express more pain after a root canal procedure. There are many of these procedures that are done on patients every year. There is indeed evidence of pain after treatment and sometimes, this pain persists for a while. This pain can remain for six months depending on the procedure.

One of the acute pains that patients experience after a root canal procedure happens around the tooth. This almost always happens when the patient needs emergency appointments to re-evaluate the teeth. This pain is known as post-endodontic flare-up pain. One of the causes is because of dental anxiety. The tooth will definitely have pain that is normal after dental surgery. Treatment of post-endodontic flare-up pain includes prescription medication for drugs that are taken orally.

Other reasons why you may suffer from tooth pain after root canal procedure is the following:

When there are complications during or after the procedure. You can get an infection when one of the root canals is left unclean.

There are times when there is a crack at the root of teeth that can go unnoticed.

Defective dental restoration. This makes bacteria enter the teeth and re-contaminate the teeth.

There are cases where patients suffer from tooth pain even after medication. This is known as post-operative pain. This is pain that patients experience within six months of root canal procedure. There are cases where the pain causes patients to suffer so much so that their routines are affected. Solutions for this persistent pain include:

Minimal chewing and speaking: Until the procedure is finished, it is important to minimize activities such as chewing and speaking. This will assist you in avoiding contamination. Additionally, you will also prevent breaking until the tooth is completely healed.

Take the medication that the dentist has prescribed. Avoid over the counter medication or recommendations from friends without checking with your dentist first.

Observe oral dental health after the procedure. Typically, your normal routine will change after a root canal procedure. It is important to speak with your dentist concerning the changes so that you can recover without inflammation and infection. Brushing and flossing gently is also important.

Scheduled dental appointments are also important so that the dentists can re-evaluate the procedure. The dentist will also be able to assess your progress.

Your teeth are a reflection of who you are and largely contribute to your confidence. Indeed, people who have great teeth tend to smile often and socialize with other people. Dentists worldwide sensitize their patients in the importance of following a dental routine to ensure that their teeth remain strong and healthy. One particular group that dentists encourage this habit is children.

It is a proven fact that if teeth are taken care of from an early age, then the benefits will be reaped in adulthood. The American Dental Association creates awareness on oral health especially for children. This is why a whole month is dedicated to children’s dental hygiene.

One of the ways that children are encouraged to take care of their teeth is through the tooth fairy. The tooth fairy is a symbol of change, hope and growth. She visits her friends and plays with them anytime they lose their teeth. Children love the tooth fairy and see her as a magical princess who visits and rewards them anytime they lose a tooth. Here are a few tooth fairy tales from around the world:

Asia

When children lose their lower teeth, they throw them on roof tops. If they lose their teeth from the upper jaw, they throw them beneath the ground or floor. When throwing the tooth, a child shouts for a mouse tooth. The tooth fairy turns into a mouse when collecting the teeth. Mice are known for having strong teeth their entire lives. This makes the child look forward to having strong teeth and taking care of them.

Children in Japan will either throw their teeth up or down. This is done in a straight manner because they believe their teeth will grow straight when done this way. Children in India cover their lost teeth in cloth and offer it to the sun by throwing them to the sky.

North America and the UK

Children here see the tooth fairy as a magical goddess with a gown and wings. She flies from one home to the next finding teeth beneath the pillows and rewarding the children after taking the teeth.

Europe

Children in Europe bury their teeth or throw them in the fire. This is because of the belief that should a witch find them, she could have powers over the children. The French believe that the tooth fairy turns into a mouse and replaces a child’s tooth with coins.

Middle East

Children are seen throwing teeth on the sky as a symbol of offering. They also ask for better replacement of teeth. This offering is given to the sun.

Every child expects a visit from the tooth fairy after the loss of a tooth. Most parents are at a loss on how much money they should place under the pillow. A quarter will only go so far even if it is being used on treats. Parents are also under pressure to match what other parents are giving. Considering that children will brag in the playground of how much they received from the tooth fairy, you might find yourself under pressure to give your child the same amount.

When your child loses a tooth, you can arrive at how much to give him or her using many methods.

Use the national average

Data collected from a Tooth Fairy Calculator application shows that the average amount being left under the pillow is at $ 4. You can use this amount as a reference to how much you can leave under the pillow.

How much you can afford

The amount that you can spare will depend on your capability to give. You can give as low as a dollar just as a token especially considering some children may lose their teeth at a fast rate within a few given months. The amount that you give should be just right to make your child appreciate the visit from the tooth fairy but still reasonable to your budget.

What other parents are giving

You can find out from your circle of friends how much they are giving their children. You can use these figures to work out how much you can give such that your child does not feel shortchanged when comparing with others. In your quest to keeping up with the Joneses, ensure that you do not exceed what you can afford to give.

Some parents give a high amount on the first tooth and subsequent teeth receive lower amounts. This is a good control on how much you spend on teeth.

Losing teeth can be an exciting time for children and a visit from the tooth fairy makes it even better. You however do not need to go overboard in your quest to match what other parents are giving. You can use your judgment as what is suitable for your children. You can also use this chance to teach your children about the value for money and it is never too early to start those lessons on savings too.

Tongue twisters are a fun way to play with words. They are phrases or words that are hard to express articulately. They can also have rhyme and usually involve sounds that may seem similar but are distinct. Mostly used sounds include ‘s’ and ‘sh’, which offer a challenge when used in a repetitive pattern in a sentence. Some tongue twisters can be found in a single sentence or more lines.

There are many variations of tongue twisters and apart from making it a fun way to pass an afternoon they are also useful in many ways.

Improve diction

Hard words and tongue twisters are useful in improving how a person pronounces words. They are a great aid for anyone studying any language as they can be found in almost all languages. From the tongue twisters, language learners can be able to learn how different sounds are applied in any given language.

Speech therapy

The complicated arrangement of words and long words helps a person focus on the pronunciation. This is helpful for anyone dealing with speech problems such as lisps. By focusing on the individual sounds and elements of the tongue twister, the speaker is able to work on their speech defects.

Exercise the mouth, jaws and lips.

Tongue twisters are a great way to improve the flexibility of the mouth, jaws and lips. This is useful as it helps to improve the clarity of what you are saying by improving the way you form vowels. Speech therapists and vocalists use these words as warm up exercises.

Helps with teeth grinding and clamping

There are some people that have to deal with teeth grinding and clamping especially at night. This condition is brought about by a badly set jaw. Using tongue twisters and especially words that call for long pronunciation, can counter this. This is because saying the words out loud helps to set the jaw where it is supposed to be naturally therefore reducing the wear and discomfort that is brought about by the condition.

Tongue twisters are therefore useful tools that you can incorporate into your daily routine. The harder they are the better they are in helping you improve in some aspect of your speech. You can be able to get samples of tongue twisters from online sources. You can also use tongue twisters to help your children learn sounds in a fun way.

Tongue rings are fashionable accessories that are favoured by teenagers and those looking for a unique look. What most people do not know is that these fashion accessories can be a source of health problems when not taken care of properly. Here are some of the oral health problems that can arise from tongue jewellery.

Infections

The tongue has naturally occurring bacteria. When pierced, the bacteria get introduced to the blood stream, which can cause an infection to occur. An infection in the mouth is dangerous because it is easily spread to other parts of the body causing serious health problems. Heart diseases and respiratory infections can easily arise from this injury in the mouth. The ring, especially if it is made from metal accumulates a lot of bacteria, which is harmful to your health.

Fractures and chippings

The ring is a hard object which when in contact with the teeth, can cause them to fracture or chip. The enamel of the teeth though considered strong does not perform well when it comes against hard objects. Considering that the ring is left in the mouth during eating, sleeping and other activities, it is very easy for the wearer to bite hard on it unintentionally. This hard contact may chip the tooth or fracture it to the core.

Accumulation of plaque

The ring can provide a place for plaque to form and attach. This plaque is harmful for the teeth and may be a source of cavities and gum diseases.

There are many other issues that may arise from a tongue piercing such as dangerous swelling that may inhibit breathing and allergic reactions. Care should therefore be taken from the time of the piercing till the wound has healed and as long as the ring is in the mouth. Observing good oral hygiene will ensure that you manage the bacteria in your mouth. The ring should be kept clean and if possible a plastic ring should be used as it accumulates fewer bacteria.

A visit to the dentist or doctor should be done if any sign of infection is noted. There are also accessories you can get that will help keep the piercing safe for your teeth and overall health. You can use a plug in place of the ring from time to time. You can also use barbells that are available from the piercing shops that will help you keep your teeth safe.

Temperomandibular joint, popularly known as TMJ, connects your lower jaw and temporal bone. This bone is found on the skull. TMJ constitutes a series of nerves muscles, cartilaginous disc and blood vessels. These muscles allow us to speak, chew food, open and close our mouths. TMJ is used widely for the proper functioning of the mouth. Sometimes, its frequent use can bring problems such as the TMJ syndrome.

TMJ syndrome is one of the most dangerous dental conditions that patients can suffer. This is because it is not only elusive but also can be overlooked when patients are getting treatment for dental diseases. If you are suffering from headaches dizziness, eye sores and pain, ear aches and shoulder pain, the problem could be in your jaws. When this problem is not taken care of, you can later suffer from this condition.

Some of the problems of TMJ include:

Impaired biting and overall dysfunction of joints in the mouth.

Pain in the joints and muscles especially around the ear. This pain can persist even when you are not eating or speaking.

Pain and ringing in the ears.

Improper positioning of the cartilaginous disc on its joint.

Locked or crooked jaw that often leads to pain in chewing and speaking.

If you suspect that you have TMJ syndrome, it is important to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is the best solution for this condition because it is gentle and manipulative. There are chiropractors who specialize in treating TMJ conditions. The first thing that the chiropractor will do is align the cervical spine with the TMJ. This is especially for patients with mild cases of the condition. Here are some of the resolutions of TMJ syndrome through chiropractic care:

Manipulation of the jaw. This takes pressure off of the TMJ and allows muscles to access blood and nerves thus allowing the TMJ to properly heal by itself.

Chiropractic adjustments: Here, the muscles of the jaws will be stimulated manually. This is great for patients as it get rids of muscle spasms and knot formation.

Massage therapy: Here, the patient will receive therapy to relieve pain and inflammation. TMJ also affects the surrounding tissues in the mouth. This therapy will assist in increasing tissue metabolism, tissue healing and promote formation of blood vessels.

Serious TMJ cases require patients to visit an orthodontist. Here, the doctor will take care of bite plates and mouth guards of the patients. There are cases where dentures, veneers and other appliances are needed to support the jaws and joints.

Similar to eating vegetables and taking baths, kids are not always keen on brushing their teeth. In fact, they can meet this activity with utter resistance. However, a solid brushing routine is vital for helping your child combat tooth decay and develop the habit of maintaining oral hygiene. Brushing your child's teeth can either be the worst or best part of your day. Nevertheless, you can teach your child to brush his or her teeth using these simple tips.

Make it a family habit

Children frequently want to act like grownups. Therefore, they tend to imitate their older siblings or parents. Rather than make your child perform this activity on his or her own, allow him or her to watch a parent or another family member perform this activity simultaneously. This not only makes the activity fun but also helps your child learn through imitation.

Encourage your child

You should praise your child when he or she is brushing his or her teeth. It is important to encourage them in order to motivate them to brush their teeth regularly.

Let your child select his or her toothbrush

Provided the toothbrush is age-appropriate, you should permit your child to pick out his or her toothbrush. This helps encourage your child develop a routine for brushing his or her teeth. Furthermore, it makes the activity enjoyable. This gives them a sense of responsibility and independence. It also makes it easy for them to identify their toothbrush. While a colorful toothbrush may not inspire you, this might make the difference in encouraging your child to brush his or her teeth.

Mirror

It is advisable to put your child in front of a mirror while brushing his or her teeth. This injects humor into the activity besides making it easy for your child to see his or teeth when brushing. It is very important for your child to see where he or she needs to clean while at the same time learning to control the toothbrush in order to get varied movements.

Select the correct toothpaste

Numerous toothpastes exist in the market for children. While some are great, others contain sugar. Therefore, you should exercise caution when selecting toothpaste. Numerous toothpastes comprise strong flavorings that you might not notice. However, these toothpastes could have a stinging effect on your child's mouth. Therefore, it is essential to use toothpaste that is specifically for kids. Mint-flavored toothpastes are ideal opposed to sweet ones.

Most people are concerned about their breath. Having bad breath can really eat away at your confidence. There are some things you can do to ensure that you and those close to you enjoy fresh breath at all times. The first thing to do is to find out the cause of your bad breath. It could be due to poor oral hygiene, infected tonsils, the food you eat, smoking or stomach infection. Finding the root cause will help know what to do to improve your breath.

Adapting proper oral hygiene will ensure that bacteria do not build up in your mouth, which is what causes bad breath. Regular brushing of teeth and flossing will ensure that you get all food particles out of your mouth. It also reduces the amount of bacteria that is in your mouth. There are toothpastes that you can get that will help you freshen your breath as you brush.

Rinse with a mouthwash – using antiseptic mouthwash will help kill all the bacteria in the mouth. A peroxide based mouthwash is recommended. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol as they strip the mouth dry which is what the bacteria need to thrive. There are also other mouthwashes that are specifically for freshening breath and you can use them to ensure that your mouth smells great at all times.

Clean your tongue – the tongue is where bad breath bacteria live. It is important to scrap your tongue as a way of cleaning. You can use your toothbrush when brushing or you can get a specifically designed tongue scrapper from the drug store. A clean tongue will ensure that you have a fresh smelling tongue.

Use mouth freshening gums and rinses once you have eaten pungent food that can cause you to have bad breath. You can also incorporate other food in your diet that will help counter the smell of the pungent food.

You can visit your dentist so that he or she can help you in finding out the reason for your bad breath. Sometimes tooth decay can cause your mouth to smell and the dentist will help you remedy this. If the problem is beyond the oral cavity, the dentist may refer you to a doctor who will be able to treat what ails you. Taking care of your oral health is one way of ensuring that your breath remains fresh. Brush regularly and use floss in order to reach all corners of the teeth.

Tooth loss is a serious dental condition. One of the solutions that dentists offer for tooth loss is installation of dentures. Dentures are convenient and comfortable for patients that have suffered tooth loss either as a result of an accident or a disease. It is imperative for you to apply proper dental care for your dentures to remain comfortable and last long. There are several things that you can do to ensure that you maintain oral health even when you have dentures. Some of the things that you can do include:

· Exercise regular dental hygiene – Dentures are just like your regular teeth. They need to be brushed daily to get rid of food and plaque. This will prevent the dentures from getting permanent stains that will require special cleaning. It is advisable to use a brush with soft bristles to clean the dentures. There is a special brush that is specifically designed for cleaning dentures. You can use different household soaps to clean the dentures. However, the soaps that you use should be mild and not harsh like household bleach. There is a special dentures cleaner that can also be used.

· Care when dentures are not in use - Your dentures need to be moist when they are not in use. This ensures that they do not dry or lose their shape. Therefore, it is advisable when you are not using these dentures to place them in a soaking solution that is specifically designed for dentures. You should be careful however if your dentures have metal attachments. The attachments can be tarnished when you soak them in soaking solution. For this particular type of denture, you need to talk to your dentist about the type of solution that you should use. Avoid putting the dentures in hot water because they will warp.

· See your dentist regularly- it is advisable to see your dentist regularly to check whether you are wearing the dentures properly. When you do not wear dentures appropriately, you expose yourself to gum sensitivity and sores. The dentures also need to be regularly cleaned by your dentist and examined. If you wear upper and lower denture, you should see a dentist at least once a year for any signs of infection or even oral cancer. Your dentist will also give you tips on cleaning your dentures and fitting them properly.

Dentures are an excellent solution for teeth loss and taking care of them should be a priority at all times.

Red wine is composed of a mixture of tannin, acids and natural dyes, all of which work together to etch onto your teeth, staining them. It’s not the startling red color your teeth take after you’ve really gone to town on Zinfandel, this is just dye mixed into your saliva, and it cleans out. However, over time continuously imbibing on dark and acidic wines will dull you teeth enamel.

The acids in red wine actually soften the enamel of your teeth. This is why it is not advisable to brush immediately after you drink wine. Your teeth can get eroded at that point. Instead, rinse out the mouth and wait for a little while before brushing.

White wine also has the same effect by the way, it’s just the discoloration is not noticeable since the wine is white. It is recommended that you wash down the acids from your mouth with water after a wine drinking excursion.

Here’s how you can prevent or reduce red wine staining:

Taking Sparkling Water

This one can be fun if you make it. As you take red wine, keep taking carbonated water to wash it down, so that the dye doesn’t stick to your saliva, and eventually teeth. Wash it down with lots of water. It may not completely prevent staining, but it will definitely lessen the effects. The carbon in the water will blithely remove the wine dyes before they set on your teeth

Avoid the white wine

You probably hate us for this one, but laying the acid of white wine on your teeth is equivalent to applying primer to a sanded surface before the coating of paint, the red wine playing paint in this case. Greater damage will be caused if the white wine is more acidic. This acid wears down your enamel, creating micro channels in your teeth, which essentially are equivalent to a porous surface, color pigments will settle there.

Brushing before taking wine

Yes, we meant to say before. Red wine sticks to plaque like a leech. Brush your teeth about one hour before you go out drinking. Right before will affect the taste of the wine, since your palate will still have that just-brushed taste.

Tooth fortification

Make your teeth stronger, eat foods rich in calcium such as cheeses, fortified cereals and milk, Vitamin D such as UV enriched mushrooms, eggs and fish and Vitamin C from cranberries, cauliflower and strawberries. Love cheese - hard cheeses have more calcium than soft, and are generally healthier for your teeth.

Pair the wine with fiber-rich foods

The fiber in the foods will sort be like a brush, scrubbing away the stain from your teeth. For full effect, couple with sparkling water. Maybe your next bottle should be accompanied by a spinach salad?

A beautiful smile is one of the best things that you could have. It is amazing the number of things that a beautiful smile can do. Statistics show that your smile is what you need to have an active social life. People tend to approach people wearing a beautiful smile for friendships or relationships. This is because a beautiful smile draws people to you. A smile also gives you confidence especially when you are discussing a business deal or in an interview for a job.

It is important to note that a beautiful smile is also a sign of good health. The only way, you can have a good smile is by getting proper oral health. Proper dental hygiene and habits will guarantee that you have a smile that appeals to everyone. Some of the things that you can do to get a beautiful smile include:

Regular brushing of teeth- the importance of brushing your teeth regularly and properly cannot be emphasised enough. This is basic dental hygiene that should be encouraged, otherwise you will get cavities that will destroy your teeth and make you lose the confidence of wearing a smile. It is advisable for one to brush their teeth at least two times in a day and for about two minutes. You should also make sure that you have a good toothbrush to be clean your teeth properly.

Regular visits to the dentist- your dentist should be your best friend if you want a good smile. They will help you so that your teeth have the right shape and colour. If you are suffering from any condition that affects oral health, they will be able to help you. Missing teeth and decaying teeth can make it difficult for one to smile without being conscious. It is also important to note that getting dental care from a professional is an effective way of preventing some of the problems that we have with our teeth.

Cosmetic treatment- cosmetic dentistry has developed over the years and if you want to improve the aesthetic value of your teeth, you can use these experts. They perform a number of procedures that will ensure that you have perfect teeth. The procedures will depend on the condition of your teeth.

A beautiful smile does not come automatically. You have to invest in the way that you take care of your teeth. This is the only that you can realise the power of your smile.

A beautiful smile is attractive. To have one, you need to take care of your teeth. One of the ways to do that is to brush your teeth regularly. The importance of brushing your teeth has been emphasised over the years. Most people understand that cleaning their teeth is a necessary routine. However, most people are not aware that there is a right way of brushing your teeth and a wrong way. If you do the latter, then you might end up damaging your teeth.

To make sure that you are brushing your teeth properly, you should check the following:

How you brush your teeth- it is important to thoroughly clean your teeth. Cleaning them involves more than just cleaning the enamel part of the tooth. To properly brush your teeth, you need to brush the outer surface and inner surface of both your lower and upper teeth. You should also clean the chewing surface of the teeth and to ensure you have fresh breath you need to clean your tongue in the process.

The type of toothbrush that you use- when choosing the type of tooth brush to use, you should ensure that it has the right bristles. Do not buy one with very hard or very soft bristles. The bristles should be tough enough to remove dirt from your teeth but not too hard to damage them. If you are uncertain about the quality of a toothbrush, you can always ask your dentist to recommend one.

Frequency of brushing your teeth - How many times do your brush your teeth? How long do you brush them? It is important to brush your teeth at least two to three times in a day. When you brush your teeth, you are advised to brush for at least two minutes. It is estimated that although, most people religiously brush their teeth, few brush it for the required amount of time. You are also advised not to brush your teeth excessively. Excessive brushing could expose the root to damage. It could also irritate your gums and lead to bleeding.

Brushing the teeth is one of the fundamental ways of taking care of your teeth. You should not do it as a routine but ensure that you understand the right way to do it. This is the only way, you can be sure that it will make a difference.

If you are like most people, you probably cringe at the thought of a visit to the dentist. Many people fear visiting their dentists even when they have no dental issues.

There are some great fun facts about teeth. You can share some of these facts with your dentist during your next visit.

Fun Facts about teeth

Former US president and Founding Father George Washington wore dentures that were partially made of teeth taken from a hippopotamus! The other dentures were made of ivory and lead.

Babies are usually born without teeth. However, one in every 2000 babies is born with some of its teeth already grown in. In most cases, these teeth are pulled out. The baby then grows a set of baby teeth just like any other baby.

Chewing gum was first developed by the Aztecs. They used to boil down sap from Sapodilla tress also known as chicle. The chicle was then cut up into blocks that were chewed.

Many people in the middle ages believed that donkeys could be used for reliving the pain of toothaches. They believed that if you kissed a donkey, your toothache would be relieved.

People in the middle ages also believed that if you lost a tooth, you could grow another tooth by stealing someone else’s tooth.

Unlike human teeth that stop growing in adulthood, squirrel and rabbit teeth do not stop growing. These animals therefore have to keep gnawing on hard objects to wear down their teeth and stop them from growing too long.

Toothbrushes have not always been in existence. Before the development of the modern toothbrush, people used twigs to clean their teeth. They chewed down the ends of the twigs and used them to clean their teeth.

Did you know that the model used by artist Grant Wood in the painting of the stern faced farmer in his painting ‘American Gothic’ was not a farmer at all? He was in fact Grant Wood’s dentist!

During the life time of the average person, they will have produced up to 100 000 gallons of saliva. That is enough saliva to fill up a bath.

Humans are just like cows. We don’t chew up and down as many people believe. We chew side to side just like cows.

Toothpaste is not a new invention. The Egyptians were known to use a form of toothpaste way back in 5000BC.

Pliers were first developed by the ancient Greeks for tooth extraction.

Anytime you look around the city while on a bus ride or driving your car, you are bound to notice a soda advertisement. Indeed soda companies are multibillion dollar investments because people love these drinks. Soda is known by different names. Some call it pop while others use different brand names. Soda is bad for the teeth because of the sugar and the acid contained in the soft drink.

Soda is a sugary and carbonated drink. This drink is responsible for many dental diseases and conditions. Sodas are responsible for tooth decay. The acidity in the drink is also responsible for softening the teeth’s enamel. This contributes to cavities. The worst thing about sodas is how people become addicted to them. No matter the age, sodas have a detrimental effect on your teeth.

Dentists have warned parents concerning the effects of soda to the teeth of children. One in five children consumes at least four sodas a day. This puts them at risk of having soft and brittle teeth in the future. Combined with poor dental hygiene practices, this addiction can lead to tooth loss even in children. Here is how you can control the effects of soda on your teeth:

Reduce the number of sodas that you consume in a day. You can substitute them for water, milk and fruit juices. When your children see you drinking other beverages apart from sodas, they will be encouraged to do the same.

Drink plenty of water after you consume this drink. Water rinses the mouth and teeth of the soda and therefore prevents the enamel from exposure to the acidity.

Dentists encourage their patients to use tooth paste that has fluoride. This is because it reduces cavities. Fluoride comes in the form of gel, foam or rinse. It also assists in strengthening the enamel. If you have exposed your teeth to many sodas, you can also add a fluoride mouthwash. Depending on the condition of your teeth, there are dentists that can prescribe mouth wash to their patients to fight bad breath or tooth decay.

Practice oral hygiene. It is important to speak to your dentist concerning the best oral hygiene practices that you can employ based on the condition of your teeth. Remember to brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis. Proper brushing and flossing will not only strengthen your teeth but will also prevent future gum and tooth conditions respectively.

Many people understand the risks associated with smoking. However, smoking is still a popular habit among people. Most of the risks that people are aware of are health risks. It is important to note that smoking is not just good for your health but also for your teeth. There are numerous dental problems that are associated with smoking.

If you are trying o quit smoking, your dentist can help by showing you the effects of smoking on the general health of your teeth. Some of the effects of smoking on your teeth include:

Smoking increases the risk of oral cancer. This disease is extremely serious and can kill if not detected early. Therefore, quitting smoking will help you minimise this risk.

Teeth loss can be extremely frustrating. It will distort your smile and make you lose confidence. Smoking will increase the risk of the occurrence of gum disease which is the leading cause of tooth loss.

There are several oral surgeries that will be difficult to heal if you are a smoker. This is because the healing process is slower when you are a smoker.

Tobacco is one of the leading causes of bad breath. Having bad breath will not only ruin your social life but also make everybody around you uncomfortable. The problem with the smell of tobacco is that it is extremely difficult to get rid of it.

Smoking will also lead to the staining of teeth. The stains that appear as a result of tobacco cannot be easily removed by regular brushing of teeth. Professional bleaching will cost you more when you have these stains.

You can also damage your gum tissue by making them recede and exposing the roots of your teeth. This will ultimately lead to tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.

It also leads to the building up of tartar that will require several dental cleanings to be completely removed.

There are different strategies that people use to try and stop smoking. Talking to your dentist will help you discover the strategies that you can use to try and stop this habit. This will not only help in ensuring that you maintain good health but also have great teeth. If you want a beautiful smile and above all, healthy teeth, you need to quit smoking. In addition, you need to talk to your dentist on the best way to maintain the good health of your teeth.

People often underestimate the power behind a smile yet it could turn your life around. Though simple, a smile is indeed powerful. You will discover that the more you smile, the more you draw people towards you. People will want to associate with you because of your positive energy. The link between smiling and attraction is deep-seated. Furthermore, smiling has various health benefits for instance it decreases stress.

Smiling and Attraction

A relationship between smiling and attraction exists hence you should make an effort to smile more often. Research indicates that smiling draws people because a smile represents a social cue. It can signify celebration, gratitude, among other feelings. A smile also indicates that you are optimistic, approachable, and happy. A considerable proportion of how you communicate originates from your body language rather than words. This implies that being conscious of your body language could be an extremely powerful tool in the social world. The key that links attraction and smiling is smiling with the entire face rather than just the mouth. However, this could take some practice, particularly if you are not accustomed to doing so. Smiles could also be contagious hence you could enhance other peoples' happiness irrespective of whether you know the person or not. Research also indicates that you lean towards others who smile. As a result, you feel compelled to spend time around somebody who smiles. Conversely, you will stay away from somebody who frowns for fear of sharing his or her negativity.

The Science behind Smiling

Several physiological changes take place when you laugh and smile. Movements of your facial muscles trigger these changes. Your brain then interprets your smile and discharges chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphins make you happy and help decrease stress in your body and mind. These chemicals also alleviate pain and enhance feelings of contentment. Smiling also triggers brain activity that generates a positive feedback loop, which ultimately reinforces your feeling of joy.

Smiling could take years off your face. The muscles you require to smile lift your face up, thereby giving you a youthful appearance. You should try to smile naturally during the day because an unnatural smile could cause suspicion.

Smiling is a symbol of happiness and a universal facial expression of positive energy that helps to decrease anxiety levels, makes people approachable, attractive and helps improve general health. It is argued that people born with a smiling predisposition tend to live longer that people who smile less often. The benefits of a smile are revealed in its impact on individual lives and on human interaction. Here are a few more facts about smiling:

A smile as a rapport-building tool.

When you smile you become more attractive. People are drawn to individuals who smile. Frowns, scowls and grimaces drive people away. A sincere smile is a great tool for building and establishing rapport. A smile maintains attention, encourages open communication and reassures your sincerity.

Elevates your mood.

Smiling aids the release of endorphins and serotonins, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness and well-being.

Smiling makes you look younger.

The muscle tissues we use to smile lifts the face making a person to look youthful and more confident.

Increase productivity.

Smiling increases productivity. When performing tasks, people get motivated to work harder after a few moments of happiness.

Smile for good health.

When you smile you do not look tired or overwhelmed this can help to:

Relieve you from stress which helps to keep you relaxed, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar.

Boost your immune system by raising the level of infection-fighting antibodies in your body.

Lower your blood pressure. Having a good ‘dose’ of laughter everyday will help you live longer even when diagnosed with ailments like high blood pressure/hypertension.

Helps maintain a positive attitude.

When you smile you get a positive outlook on life creating unity and acceptance in the people and situations that surround you. A smile is a sign of kindness, gentleness and compassion.

A smile is contagious.

When you smile people will smile back at you. A smile can lift an unhappy person’s mood and offer a glimpse of hope despite their situation.

A smile influences life choices.

A smile can brighten your mood, leading you to make positive choices, using good and sound judgement.

When you smile remember:

Do not smile constantly.

Make sure your smile is genuine.

Know when to smile; for instance you cannot flash a big grin when someone is hurting.

Gum disease is a silent disease that is often not noticed until it has reached its advanced stages. It begins with the growth of bacteria in the mouth and often ends with tooth loss if not treated properly.

Common causes of gum disease

Plaque resulting from poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease. The buildup of plaque can result in gum disease if proper dental hygiene is not practiced for an extended period of time.

Hormonal changes that result in gum sensitivity can make it easier for gum disease to develop. These changes may occur during pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and puberty.

Drugs that cause a reduction of saliva flow can also cause gum disease. Saliva has a protective effect on the gums and teeth. Restricting or reducing the flow of saliva will result in growth of bacteria in the gums.

Drugs that can result in the abnormal growth of the gums can cause gum disease. These drugs include Procardia, an anti-angina drug and Dilantin, an anticonvulsant.

Illnesses that affect the condition of the gums can result in gum disease. These diseases may result in a change in gum condition indirectly e.g. HIV and cancer result in the suppression of the immune system thus allowing for the free growth of bacteria in and around the gums.

Habits that affect the condition of the gums such as smoking can result in gum disease.

Genetics.

Symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease can progress silently and often goes unnoticed until it is in its more advanced stages. However some of the most common symptoms of gum disease are:

Gums bleeding during or after brushing teeth

Receding gums

Reddening of the gums. The gums are also tender and swollen.

Teeth become loose or shift in their sockets.

A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.

The development of deep sockets in the gums around the teeth.

A persistent bad taste in the mouth accompanied by bad breath.

Gum disease may still be existent even in those who don’t exhibit the above symptoms. The disease may only affect a few teeth in some people while in other people it may affect the entire gum. Because the disease may progress silently, it is advisable to see a dentist on a regular basis. Your dentist will be able to pick up on the signs and symptoms of the disease early and treat the disease to prevent its progression.

Tooth sensitivity occurs due to the gradual exposure of your dentine, resulting in nerve irritation. Exposed tooth areas can generate pain and even change or affect drinking and eating habits. For instance, taking ice cream can be a painful experience if you have sensitive teeth. Excessive consumption of acid-containing beverages and food could also increase your likelihood of experiencing tooth sensitivity. Common causes of tooth sensitivity include:

Teeth Grinding

Grinding your teeth during the day or when sleeping may wear away your enamel. Consequently, this exposes your tooth's underlying dental layer.

Gum Disease

Also called gingivitis, gum disease causes sore and inflamed gum tissue. If untreated, gingivitis could lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when gum disease worsens and damages the bone and tissues that support your teeth. Tooth sensitivity is a sign of periodontitis.

Brushing vigorously

Brushing your teeth vigorously or using a tooth with hard bristles could wear down your enamel, causing dentine exposure over time. It could also cause recession of your gums.

Acidic foods

Regular consumption of beverages and foods with high acidity content such as citrus juices and tomatoes could result in enamel erosion.

Prolonged use of mouthwash

Some mouthwashes comprise acids and other chemicals that could worsen tooth sensitivity. These acids cause further damage to your tooth's dentin layer. If you experience dentine sensitivity, consult your dentist about using neutral fluoride rinses.

Tooth-whitening products

Some toothpaste formulas have abrasive ingredients that might be too harsh if you have sensitive teeth. You should consider substituting your toothpaste if you suspect it as the source of increased sensitivity.

Cracked tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth could cause pain that exceeds tooth sensitivity. In this case, your dentist will assess your tooth and determine the appropriate treatment course such as an extraction or a cap.

How to avoid tooth sensitivity

Maintaining good dental hygiene

This involves adopting proper flossing and brushing techniques to avoid conditions such as gingivitis.

Develop a good dietary habit

You must exercise caution when consuming highly acidic foods and beverages. These substances could erode your tooth enamel gradually, leading to dentine exposure besides aggravating the sensitivity. You should also avoid recurrent chewing of hard foods such as nuts.

Regular dental check-ups

It is important to schedule regular appointments with your dentist for professional cleaning, fluoride treatments, and advice on treating tooth sensitivity. It is advisable to schedule annual check-ups in order to receive appropriate care.